Two Visionary Scientists Honored with Endowed Chairs by the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
Dr. Juan Dominguez‑Bendala and Dr. Dirk Homann were recognized for their pioneering type 1 diabetes research.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) and its donors, two renowned University of Miami Miller School of Medicine researchers have been awarded endowed chairs, a recognition designed to advance transformative research in type 1 diabetes at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI).
During a ceremony attended by family, friends, donors and colleagues, Juan Dominguez‑Bendala, Ph.D., professor in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, was named the inaugural Ricordi Family Chair in Type 1 Diabetes. Dirk Homann, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Miller School’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, became the second holder of the J. Enloe & Eugenia J. Dodson Chair in Diabetes Research.
“In honoring Drs. Dominguez‑Bendala and Homann, we recognize the exceptional innovation and dedication that drive our mission at the University of Miami,” said Joel H. Samuels, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Researchers like you propel us forward.”
Honoring Bold Discovery in Diabetes
The Ricordi Family Chair is named in honor of Camillo Ricordi, M.D., director emeritus of the DRI, whose tenure as scientific director from 1993-2021 accelerated the DRI’s rise as a world leader in cure-focused diabetes research.
“I want to thank the DRIF, our board members and the university for making this chair possible,” Dr. Ricordi said. “It takes a village—and a family—to achieve something like this. I am proud to have spent 33 years of my professional life with this community.”
Ernesto Bernal-Mizrachi, M.D., the interim scientific director of the DRI and professor and chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Miller School, says the installation of two new chairs provides the DRI with critical resources as they aggressively work to develop a biological cure for diabetes by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks.
“The Ricordi Chair provides essential support that accelerates high-impact, type 1 diabetes research by protecting investigator time, funding innovative pilot studies needed to secure major external grants and ultimately transforms discoveries into viable pathways to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes,” said Dr. Bernal-Mizrachi.
Guests celebrated the groundbreaking work of Dr. Dominguez‑Bendala, whose research harnesses stem cells to induce pancreatic islet regeneration. The approach could restore insulin production without the need for transplantation.
Dr. Dominguez‑Bendala expressed deep appreciation to those who have guided and supported him throughout his career, including Dr. Ricordi.
“I want to thank the Ricordi family and you, Camillo. You have been a constant in my career since you hired me 25 years ago,” he said.
Advancing Immunology and Patient Care
The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Dr. Homann, whose research integrates T‑cell and pancreatic islet biology to develop immunomodulatory strategies aimed at preventing and reversing type 1 diabetes.
He is the second holder of the Dodson Chair, established in 2016 through a transformative, $35.6 million gift from the estate of Eugenia J. Dodson of Coral Gables.
“This chair is a charge,” Dr. Homann said. “It challenges us to continue striving for what we believe is possible—to improve patient care, reduce suffering and spread some good.”
Partnership Spanning Generations
Both endowed chairs strengthen the enduring partnership between the DRI and the DRIF, the fundraising arm of the DRI. For more than five decades, the DRIF has been one of the Miller School’s most steadfast supporters and largest philanthropic contributors.
“It has been wonderful to hear the kind words about the foundation, but tonight is truly about both chair recipients,” said Michael Burton, CEO of the DRIF. “Receiving an endowed chair is a crowning achievement. It reflects the esteem of your colleagues and the impact you have had throughout your careers.”
Before presenting the chairs, Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, highlighted the importance of endowed faculty positions.
“An endowed chair is one of the highest academic honors the university can bestow,” Dean Ford said. “It affirms dedication to excellence and ensures that scholars like Drs. Dominguez‑Bendala and Homann have the time, resources and focus to continue groundbreaking research in perpetuity.”
Tags: diabetes, Division of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Dr. Dirk Homann, Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala, DRI, DRIF, endowed chair, type 1 diabetes